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City Planner Kovach given 90-day notice; residents, councilmembers express concern
Summary
Mayor Sharp gave City Planner Kovach a 90-day notice of termination; Kovach and residents urged a smooth transition and councilmembers asked for a contract review. Multiple public commenters raised related concerns during the meeting.
The Soap Lake City Council recorded that Mayor Peter Sharp has given City Planner Kovach a 90-day notice to terminate his contract, a development Kovach described as concerning for current city work and upcoming planning efforts.
Councilmembers Bryson and Carlson said they want to review the planner’s contract and speak with the mayor about the decision. City Planner Kovach told the council he was worried about maintaining continuity on current projects, including the 2025 Comprehensive Plan and early preparations for the 2027 plan.
Members of the public raised the issue during the public-comment period. Mona Keiser said she was "very concerned about the termination of the City Planner’s contract." Eileen Beckwith also noted concern about recent department head departures. Nel Kovach presented the Centennial flag to the city and urged unity; Thomas Page raised separate infrastructure questions about the RV Park.
The council did not take a formal vote to reverse the notice at the meeting. Councilmembers Bryson and Carlson asked for a review of the contract and said they would follow up with the mayor. No additional personnel action was recorded in the minutes.
